More than 1/4 of all cancer-related deaths stem from lung cancer, the American Cancer Society reports. To reduce your lung cancer risk, avoid tobacco, stay physically active, limit exposure to air pollution and eat a healthy diet. Also, add foods that are especially effective in fighting lung cancer to your diet.
Fruit
Fresh fruits are abundant in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that boost lung health. Including a variety of fresh, colorful fruits in your diet can significantly reduce cancer risk, says Frederike L. Buchner of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment. In a study published in the September 2005 issue of "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention," Buchner found that sampling from a variety of types of fruits reduced lung cancer by more than 20 percent.
Vegetables
Like fruit, fresh vegetables tend to contain nutrients that shield the lungs from the DNA damage that can lead to cancer. While nearly all fresh veggies are nutrient-rich, cruciferous vegetables seem to be particularly good at fighting lung cancer, says Paul Brennan of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In his paper published in the November 2005 issue of "The Lancet," he found that cruciferous vegetable intake was associated with a significant reduction in lung cancer risk. Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Whole Grains
Whole grains include minimally processed grains like quinoa, barley, whole-wheat bread and oats. Choosing whole grains over refined grains may reduce the risk of cancer, the Center for the Science in the Public Interest reports. The dietary fiber and antioxidants in whole grains are responsible for their cancer-fighting activity.
Beverages
In addition to pure water -- which is vital for overall health -- drinking green tea may shield the lungs from damage caused by smoking, the BBC reports. Moderate consumption of red wine may also be protective according to Science Daily. Tea and red wine are rich in a class of cancer-fighting compounds known as polyphenols. Polyphenols seek out and kill off cancerous and precancerous cells.
References
- American Cancer Society: What Are the Key Statistics About Lung Cancer?
- Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention: Variety in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and the Risk of Lung Cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
- The Lancet: Effect of Cruciferous Vegetables on Lung Cancer in Patients Stratified by Genetic Status: A Mendelian Randomisation Approach
- Center for the Science in the Public Interest: The Whole Grain Guide
- BBC: Green Tea "May Block Lung Cancer"
- Science Daily: Red Wine May Lower Lung Cancer Risk
